Unsolicited credit card offers make choosing and applying for a credit card very easy these days. With so many offers
to choose from the hard part is sifting through all of the information and deals to choose a card that has the benefits and features that best meet the needs of the cardholder and provides the lowest fees and the maximum amount of perks. Weather you have solicited a card offer or just happen to receive one in the mail, comparing and contrasting the benefits of the offer is the best starting point to choosing a card.
People with good credit have unlimited choices of credit cards. Those that have bad credit should still compare card offers to locate the best offer. The best way to do this is to first look at the offers that target those with excellent credit. Compare the bad credit offers and narrow those to a few that offer benefits similar to those of the good credit offers. Following this comparison you can then narrow your search to the card offer with the most benefits for you. Comparing many offers allows you to choose the card that will help you get the most as a cardholder.
A few common things that good credit card offers should have should include:
• 0% introductory APR
• No annual fees
• No processing fee
• Rewards or cash back program
• Low Annual Percentage Rate – these rates can range from 11% to 25% and higher
Once the offer meets the basic provisions the cardholder can then begin to shop around for the one that offers the best rewards and benefits. Keep in mind that the offers available to you will heavily depend on credit history and approval. Receiving a credit card offer claiming that you are pre-approved for a premier offer if you have poor credit is not necessarily true.
Offers are mass marketed which means they are often sent out in bulk and may not specifically take into consideration the individual recipient. More likely than not once you apply for a credit card your credit report will be checked and you will be issued notification of approval or denial.
A review of the best credit card offers online can provide helpful comparison charts, lists of benefits and quick application forms. Online searches are a good way to compare and contrast some of the many offers that are options for those with no credit, poor credit or excellent credit.
Citi Platinum VS. Discover More
Citi Platinum Select MasterCard is a credit card offer that made the list of the best credit card offers on several different credit card comparison sites. Its low APR makes this card an attractive offer however it advertises no rewards programs or perks other than discounts for certain unidentified purchases.
The Citi Platinum card offers the following benefits to cardholders:
• No APR for up to 15 months on balance transfer and purchases
• No annual fee
• A variable APR starting at 11.99%
• Cash discounts when using the card for certain purchases.
The Discover More Card is also a highlighted offer for the best card choices. Similar to City Platinum in many of its benefits, this card does highlight under the Rewards programs that it offers cash back on purchases.
The Discover More card offers the following benefits to cardholders:
• 0% APR for 12 months on transfers
• No interest for 6 months on purchases
• No annual fee
• A variable APR starting at 11.99%
• 5% cash back bonuses on purchases in selected changing categories such as travel and groceries purchases.
• 1% cash back bonus on other purchases made with the card.
The comparison of these two credit cards is just an example of credit card offers that look very similar and offer many great perks. The difference is really in the fine print. Many cards offset some benefits for other benefits. For example; low annual percentage rates are often a trade off for perks, bonus programs and rewards systems and those that offer more of one may offer less of the others.
Most cards have similarities but many have slight differences that could make the difference for a potential cardholder. Research and comparison is well with the time when considering a potential credit card, regardless of your credit history you want to choose the right card for you.
Disclosure: The information specific to Citi Platinum Select and Discover More Card outlined above was accurate as of 4/10/10. Be sure to check with the card issuers as promotional details on card offers change very frequently.
Similar Posts:
- Citi Offers 18-Month 0% Balance Transfer
- Citi Platinum Select MasterCard
- The Importance of Doing a Thorough Credit Card Comparison
- Separating The Good From The Bad Card Offers
- Different Credit Card Options for All Credit Levels
